The causes of homelessness are complex

In response to the letter from Betty Houghton, the main reasons for homelessness are foreclosure, poverty, eroding work opportunities, decline in public assistance, lack of public housing, domestic violence and addiction disorders.

Homelessness results from a complex set of circumstances that require people to choose between food, shelter, and other basic needs. Only a concerted effort to ensure jobs that pay a living wage, adequate support for those who cannot work, affordable housing, and access to health care will bring an end to homelessness.